Skip to main content

NUJ condemns Assault on Journalist by security Agent...Appeals to Wike , others to extend palliatives to journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has condemned the unwarranted assault and flogging of a staff of Rhythm/Silverbird Television, Nkan-kpo Johnson, by a soldier deployed to enforce the lockdown order by the Rivers State Government, at the Ikoku area of Port Harcourt. The lockdown was part of efforts by the state government to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the State. The Union, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Stanley Job Stanley and Ike Wigodo respectively, described the flogging of Nkan-kpo Johnson, a videographer attached to Silverbird Television as a barbaric act unexpected of any well-trained and well-behaved soldier. "The flogging of any person let alone a journalist, by a law enforcement agent is not only condemnable and inhumane, but also a barbaric act unexpected of a well-trained, well-behaved officer, especially in view of the existing cordial relationship between the NUJ and the Nigerian Army in the state", the Union said. The NUJ, therefore, called on the Nigerian Army and other law enforcement agencies in the state to rein in on their men and put a stop to harassment of men of the Press who put their lives at risk to report government's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state. The statement also urged the Army authorities and other security apparatchiks in the state to educate and enlighten their men on the role of journalists in the society, as well as cultivate the culture of reporting any erring member of the Union to NUJ leadership if we must sustain the good relationship with the security agencies. Meanwhile, the NUJ has appealed to the Rivers State Government, multinational organisations and good spirited individuals to extend their palliative measures to journalists in the state. The statement noted that despite the contributions of journalists to flatten the curve of COVID-19 pandemic in the state, their efforts have not been fully appreciated, and therefore, called on the state government, multinational organisations and well meaning individuals to consider inclusion of journalists in their welfare packages. According to the Union, "in view of the essential services rendered by journalists during this critical period and the possibility of their vulnerability (including their family members) to COVID-19, journalists in the state deserve government's support and encouragement in terms of palliatives, protective kits and working tools to enhance their performance, promote effective reportage on the pandemic and also protect them from infection". Signed Stanley Job Stanley Chairman Ike Wigodo Secretary

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Marry Good Women: Rivers CP Encourages Police Officers

 By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu   The dance galore, the cheers, the shouts, the smiles and the waist twisting were the jeers at Agwut Obolo in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State as Corporal Jonah Ogwuokwa tied the knot with his heartthrob former Miss. Atainu-Awaji Geoffrey on Saturday, 11th May, 2024. The joyful event heightened as the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu graced the wedding ceremony to celebrate with the excited couple accompanied by some top management of the Police force.   CP Disu speaking with Correspondent Awajis Josiah-Chijindu  Speaking at the occasion, the Rivers State Police Commissioner stated that marriage is a sweet union noting that one of the ways to make it joyful is to avoid secrets, respect the wishes of everybody and most importantly love yourselves. CP Disu and the couple   CP Disu pointed out that it is needful for policemen to marry a good and understanding wife,noting that it takes only a good wife to...

Father of Three Kills Wife few Days to International Women's Day Celebration In Port Harcourt

  By Awajis Josiah-Chijindu As the world approaches the International Women's Day, a man identified as Mr. Michael Chidozie working with a Civil Society Organizations in Port Harcourt has been arrested and detained by the Police in Rivers State, for allegedly beating his thirty -two year old wife and mother of three children, Mrs Ufuoma Chidozie to death on the early hours of Tuesday March 5th, ,2024 in Agip axis of Mile 4, PortHarcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. We gathered  that after Mrs Chidozie died as a result of injuries she sustained from the alleged physical assault, Mr Chidozie, the suspect  fled after calling the brother of the deceased,  to come to the house stating an emergency situation.                 Mrs. Chidozie the victim When the brother to the deceased came to the house of Mr. Chidozie,  he found the lifeless body of Mrs. Chidozie, his sister  but did not meet the husband at home.  Meanwhile, s...

Rivers State Government Targets Reduction In Gender Based Violence

  By: Martha Igbiks  The Rivers State government has reaffirmed its dedication to tackling gender-based violence (GBV), aimed at reduce its prevalence between 5-10% . The State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Honourable Ilamu Arugu, made this commitment during a meeting with the Heads of the subcommittee on GBV prevention in the State. The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the committee's Coordinator, Barr. Evelyn Asimiea Membere and her team for their selfless efforts and level of cooperation, emphasizing that their work is about protecting the people and ensuring their safety . "This is not about compensation; it's about protecting our people and their safety" he said.  "Our ministry will do everything humanly possible to ensure Rivers State is not left behind at curbing this menace.  "I have  his Excellency's mandate to treat this issue and will send my report to him based on my interface with you. Our aim is not only to meet Act...